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Drone Pilot Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Global Medical Response

Fixed Wing Pilot

Reno, NV · On-site

$75K - $197K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Locations: Nationwide Airframe: Location Dependent. Schedule: Location Dependent. Annual Salary Range: $75,186 - $197,676 DOE and Location. * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete ...

Guardian Flight

Fixed Wing Pilot

Reno, NV

$75K - $197K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Locations: Nationwide Airframe: Location Dependent. Schedule: Location Dependent. Annual Salary Range: $75,186 - $197,676 DOE and Location. * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete ...

Global Medical Response

Fixed Wing Pilot

Reno, NV

$75K - $197K/yr

Fixed Wing Pilot Locations: Nationwide Airframe: Location Dependent. Schedule: Location Dependent. Annual Salary Range: $75,186 - $197,676 DOE and Location. * 15,000 Sign-On Bonus (Must Complete ...

Air Methods Pilots

Helicopter Pilot

Truckee, CA · On-site

$82K - $86K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Truckee, CA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Truckee, CA

$82K - $93K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

Life Flight Network

Fixed Wing Pilot

Reno, NV · On-site

$116K - $137K/yr

Fixed wing pilots possess strong leadership skills and the ability to communicate with a variety of people, one-on-one and in large groups, sometimes in highly stressful situations. The fixed wing ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Truckee, CA · On-site

$82K - $93K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

Air Methods

Helicopter Pilot

Truckee, CA

$82K - $86K/yr

As the leader in the air medical industry, Air Methods seeks exceptional pilots to partner with us to serve our communities. We are committed to providing air medical transport resources to our ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Loyalton, CA

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Mogul, NV

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Verdi, NV

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Delleker, CA

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Doyle, CA

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

US Navy

Naval Flight Officer and Pilot

Sparks, NV

Naval Aviation Officer (Pilot / Naval Flight Officer / AMDO) Category / Component: Officer • Both Overview Naval Aviation Officers serve as Pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and Aviation Maintenance ...

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All JobsDrone Pilot JobsDrone Pilot Jobs in Reno, NV

Drone Pilot information

See Reno, NV salary details

$49.4K

$130.5K

$200.4K

How much do drone pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for drone pilot in Reno, NV is $130,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,700.00 and $154,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drone Pilot vs Drone Photographer?

AspectDrone PilotDrone Photographer
CertificationsFAA Part 107 licenseFAA Part 107 license (often required)
Work EnvironmentVarious industries including construction, agriculture, filmPhotography and videography projects
Job FocusOperating drones for data collection or inspectionCapturing images and videos with drones
Employer UsageCommercial companies, government agenciesMedia companies, event organizers, real estate

While both Drone Pilots and Drone Photographers operate drones, Drone Pilots focus on flying and operating drones for various purposes like inspections or mapping, often requiring a license. Drone Photographers specialize in capturing high-quality images and videos, often for media or marketing, and may also need certification. The roles overlap but differ mainly in their primary objectives and end-use of drone operations.

Is there a demand for drone pilots?

The demand for drone pilots is growing across industries such as photography, agriculture, construction, and inspection services. Employers seek certified pilots skilled in operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and adhering to regulations, leading to increased job opportunities in this field.

Do drone pilots make money?

Drone pilots can earn income through various roles such as aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and filmmaking. Earnings depend on experience, location, and the complexity of projects, with many pilots working freelance or for companies on a contract basis. Salaries or project fees typically range from hourly rates to fixed project costs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drone pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drone Pilot, you need solid knowledge of aviation regulations, flight planning, and piloting skills, typically supported by a Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107 in the U.S.) or equivalent. Familiarity with drone-specific software, GPS systems, and high-resolution cameras is essential for operating and maintaining UAVs effectively. Strong spatial awareness, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and legal operation of drones in diverse environments.

What are some common challenges drone pilots face when working in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Drone Pilots often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, strict airspace regulations, and technical malfunctions. To address these, it's important to conduct thorough pre-flight planning, stay updated on local regulations, and carry backup equipment. Working closely with clients and team members to set clear expectations and maintain open communication also helps ensure smooth operations and successful project delivery.

How much do drone pilots earn?

Drone pilots typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Salaries can range from around $30,000 to over $80,000 annually for full-time positions, especially for those with specialized skills or certifications in industries like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection.

What is a drone pilot?

Drone pilots are professionals trained to remotely operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. They use drones for various tasks such as aerial photography, surveying, mapping, inspection, agriculture, and delivery services. Drone pilots must follow aviation regulations and often require certification, depending on their country and the nature of their work. Their role involves planning flight paths, ensuring safety, maintaining equipment, and analyzing data gathered by the drone. As drone technology expands, the demand for skilled drone pilots continues to grow across multiple industries.

How much do drone pilots get?

Drone pilots typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the tasks. Salaries can range from around $30,000 to over $100,000 annually for full-time positions, especially for those with specialized skills or certifications in industries like filmmaking, surveying, or inspection.

What do drone pilots do?

The primary responsibilities of a drone pilot are to control and maintain an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). You can find drone pilot positions with both the military and other governmental organizations, as well as private companies, such as agricultural operations, film and television production companies, surveyors and mapping specialists, and environmental scientists. As a pilot, you perform a variety of duties, such as flying reconnaissance and taking aerial photography and aerial videography. In the military context, drone pilots operate UAVs which bomb targets from across the world.

More about Drone Pilot jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Drone Pilot jobs in Reno, NV? The most popular types of Drone Pilot jobs in Reno, NV are:
What are popular job titles related to Drone Pilot jobs in Reno, NV? For Drone Pilot jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drone Pilot jobs in Reno, NV look for? The top searched job categories for Drone Pilot jobs in Reno, NV are:
What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Drone Pilot jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Drone Pilot job openings:
Drone Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drone Pilot job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,532 per year, or $62.8 per hour.

PILOT III - UNCLASSIFIED

State of Nevada (NV)

Carson City, NV • On-site

$135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

State Of Nevada rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 50 rated states

Job description

***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE*** Job Summary The Nevada Department of Transportation is accepting resumes for a Pilot III position in Carson City. This is an unclassified, full-time position appointed by and serves at the discretion of the Nevada Department of Transportation's Chief Pilot.

NOTE: CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE COPIES OR SCANS OF QUALIFYING FLIGHT LOGS. Carson City blends a mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, culture, nightlife, and old-fashioned western charm. With proximity to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the area boasts unlimited year-round activities to include fishing, boating, hiking, biking, world-class skiing, and golf courses, and many special events.

Women and under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. Nevada Department of Transportation is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action in the recruitment of its employees and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or sexual orientation. Essential Qualifications Graduation from high school or equivalent education, a FAA Commercial pilot certificate with airplane multi-engine land and instrument airplane ratings (or an unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate).

In addition to the above certifications, a minimum of another 1,000 hours of logged, pilot-in-command flight time in turbine-powered, multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft is required, as designated by the agency at the time of recruitment. Flight experience must include 100 hours of flight time within the preceding 12 months. BE-300 type rating and/or experience in King Air series or military C-12 variant aircraft is preferred.

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal history check and fingerprinting are required. Drug Screening: Pursuant to NRS 284.4066, this position has been identified as affecting public safety. Persons offered employment in this position will be required to submit to a pre-employment screening for controlled substances

In addition, federal law requires random testing for controlled substances during employment. Job Duties Pilots fly missions and aircraft which vary with the department to which the position is assigned. Pilots must maintain current certification to fly agency aircraft.

Pilots are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the Department hangars in Las Vegas and Carson City, performing pre-and post-flight inspections of the aircraft, cleaning and wiping down the interior and exterior surfaces of the aircraft, monitoring the maintenance status of the aircraft in which they are assigned to fly to ensure compliance and safety. Pilots are also responsible for filing flight plans, calculating correct fuel loads, calculating and ensuring correct weight and balance for the aircraft, monitoring weather conditions, and other items to ensure the safe conduct of the flight. Pilots will supervise fueling operations, maintain aircraft and division records, coordinate and work with aircraft maintenance providers, and other duties and responsibilities assigned by the chief pilot.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities RECRUTIER INFORMATION: KIMBERLY EBERLY, kimberly.eberly@dot.nv.gov The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages. Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.

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About State of Nevada

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Nevada isn't a company in the traditional sense, but rather a governing body that manages and directs the operations of the state of Nevada. Its headquarters are located in Carson City, NV, United States. The organisation is engaged in various sectors like education, transportation, business and industry, health and human services, conservation and natural resources, and many more. It is responsible for implementing and maintaining the law and order of the state, in addition to providing essential services to its residents.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carson City, NV, US

Year founded

1864

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